Whole night of railways on TV- a brilliant night.

[rjhowie]

A few nights ago on television from just after 7pm until nearly 1am the next morning one channel devoted the whole period to railways. It was initially about Dr Beeching and did show debates between him and opposers however it moved on from there showing the gradual changes over the decades right up until the present time with some great items. For once I had a great night in front of the screen rather than moaning about the usual dish ups and for any railway fan it was a night of great viewing. Think it was BBC4 although can't be definite but it was a real treat. Although Beeching was only recommending in his reports it was the politcos of 2 of the main parties that did a dance but don'y want to distract as I had another thread here on him. That notwithstanding, I was like a child in a sweets factory and it distracted me from my Trainz build. Nearly 6 hours with nothing but trains and a brilliant distraction!

 

[CaptEngland]

Hi RJHowie,

Was this a repeat of the night last year on BBC4? That had Ian Hislop on, A bloke who does murder mystery books (Andrew Martin, IIRC), and others?

Regards.
CaptEngland

 

[itareus]

I think you will find it was on BBC Parliament on Sunday 9th June from 7pm. Its available on iplayer (on PC and YouView) but it will only be there for a couple more days, so if you want to watch it be quick. Unfortunately the John Betjeman documentary about the S&D has no sound at the start but it comes on after about 5 mins!

 

[rjhowie]

Ah yes, as said, forgot which channel. No CaptainEngland the host was a BBC news announcer and have forgot his name too!

 

[Paulsw2]

I've just discovered this night of programmes on BBC Parliament just as it's gone off the iPlayer! Apparently it was very good, including a programme from 1982 (Brass Tacks?) claiming that BR was in a rotten state and that many lines were faced with closure. Apparently all of them were subsequently saved.

Paul

 

[rjhowie]

Shame you missed out on it Paulsw2 because it was as you said a great might for rail fans. It even drew me away from my Trainz building! To emphasise that I once delayed a meal with a lady friend just to get an awkward Trainz item on my project which was challenging me. Fortunately the lady was a long time friend, very considerate and I got over the delay (!). What the programme did show was the rather questionable state passenger rail was in. Where we have reopened lines in Scotland they have been very successful and broke target figures so that is something?